Saturday, November 12, 2016

Hm. Wearing a safety pin to identify yourself as a "safe person?" That's
going to last maybe 5 minutes, and then those who enjoy picking fights
will put on their own safety pins, wade into the nearest target-rich
environment, and voila. Instant mayhem.

I can hear the ensuing whining already.

Did no one actually think this thing through?

One person responded to ask what I suggested for a solution, since any signal such as a safety pin could be mimicked.

I wrote a rather lengthy and thoughtful reply in which I opined that this whole "safe space" thing is a crock, because how are they going to guarantee a troll-free space? People basically need to suck it up, learn that the world does not revolve around them, and learn how to stand up and defend their beliefs with polite discourse. I also said that no one has a right to never be offended, nor does free speech mean one has a right to be listened to or agreed with.

This person came back asking what if someone were being bullied on a bus or a train because of their race or color, they NEED to know there are safe people around. I replied that true safe people who care to get involved can self-identify and step in, because nothing is going to stop phony safety-pinners who get their sick kicks out of messing with people.

Then the person basically harumphed, used foul language to lash out at "you people," and proceeded to delete their posts. I expect being un-friended will not be far behind.

Edited to add: I was right. I have been un-friended. What a shame. I have enjoyed this person's posts on non-political subjects, and I shall miss them.